Thoracic Aortic Disease

The Center for Thoracic Aortic Disease, along with the Marfan Syndrome Clinic, are multidisciplinary clinics providing evaluation and management of diseases which involve the thoracic aorta.

Many of these disorders have an underlying genetic basis, including:

Marfan syndrome

Loeys-Dietz syndrome

Bicuspid aortic valve associated with ascending aortic aneurysm

Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Familial thoracic aortic aneurysm syndrome

Turner syndrome

Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Hospital have a longstanding history of excellence in the care of patients with Marfan syndrome and related disorders. Patients with these conditions as well as those with thoracic aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection may be evaluated by a group of experts to determine the underlying disease, screen for genetic mutations when appropriate, and determine medical and surgical therapy. Full day evaluations including examinations by cardiology, medical genetics, ophthalmology, and an echocardiogram may be arranged as needed. Consultations with subspecialists including cardiac surgery and orthopedic surgery may also be prearranged.

Imaging capabilities

Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Hospital have expertise in all aspects of imaging of the aorta and its branches in the evaluation and management of diseases of thoracic aorta and genetically triggered vascular and aortic disease.